Oscars 2026: Michael B Jordan wins ‘Best Actor’ for ‘Sinners’
Michael B Jordan has won the award for ‘Best Actor’ at this year’s Oscars.
The actor won what was considered one of the tightest category races this year, taking home the prize for his role as the twins Stack and Smoke in Ryan Coogler’s smash hit.
In doing so, he beat out tough rivalries for the award with Leonardo DiCaprio and Timothée Chalamet, who were considered among the top frontrunners for the coveted prize.
Ethan Hawke and Wagner Moura were also nominated in the category, but were seen as less likely nominees of the five, given that they have not received other wins at previous award shows over the course of this season.
However, it comes after Chalamet seemingly lost popularity in the race for Marty Supreme over his controversial comments blasting opera and ballet, polarising opinion on him among further arts circles.
Jordan has made history after winning his first-ever Oscar, and the first award winner to portray twins. He previously won the award for ‘Outstanding Actor in a Leading Role’ at the Actor Awards, so it’s far from an upset.
“God is good. ‘Mama, what’s up?'” he triumphantly asked after collecting his trophy. “My dad came here from Ghana to be here,” he added, reflecting on how “I stand here because of the people who came before me; Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, Halle Berry, Jamie Foxx.”
For Sinners, Jordan’s win signifies the trajectory of the film’s 16 nominations for the night, as he was considered the most likely actor to take home the award as the race became closer over time.
Then again, some people will be shocked that Chalamet didn’t win, as he continues his unwanted trend of becoming the ‘Best Actor’ race’s yearly man. On the other hand, Jordan gave two incredible performances in Sinners and made the twins distinct as individuals, so it’s not a true jaw-dropper.
It’s been a big night for Sinners at the Oscars so far, and while Coogler didn’t win ‘Best Director’, he’ll be thrilled that he helped steer his leading man to an Oscar-winning performance.
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